‘I find it disrespectful’ – Unhappy Novak Djokovic hits back at reporter during tense press conference

Novak Djokovic fired back at suggestions he is ‘chasing’ Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz in a frosty moment at a press conference.

The Serbian tennis great made it to the semi-finals of the Australian Open in Melbourne in rather fortuitous circumstances.

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He confirmed his spot in the last four on Wednesday after Lorenzo Musetti was forced to withdraw from their quarter-final clash.

The Italian had been leading by two sets but was a break down in the third set when he pulled up injured.

Djokovic clashes with reporter

Following the match, Djokovic was involved in a heated exchange with a reporter.

It came after he had been asked about ‘chasing’ Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer at the start of his career and now doing the same with the world’s current top two men’s players, Sinner and Alcaraz.

The 38-year-old appeared surprised by the question as he replied: “I’m chasing Jannik and Carlos? In which sense?”

In response, the reporter explained they meant in regards to winning Grand Slam titles right now.

Sinner and Alcaraz have won each of the last eight Grand Slams, with four each since Djokovic’s 2023 US Open victory.

However, he remained unimpressed by the reporter’s suggestion, sarcastically asking: “So I’m always the chaser and I’ve never been chased.”

The journalist quickly pointed out that the fourth seed had won a record 24 Grand Slam titles in between.

Djokovic added: “It’s worth saying that sometimes,” before calling for more respect from the reporter.

Australian Open

The 10-time Australian Open champion concluded by admitting: “I don’t feel like I’m chasing. Roger and Rafa will always be my greatest rivals.

“I have tremendous respect for what Jannik and Carlos are doing and they continue to do and they will do for the next 10, 15, 20 years. God knows how many years they’re going to play, they’re so young.

“This is a natural cycle in sports. You’re going to have another two superstars that are maybe going to have a third guy that I’m going to cheer for because I’ll always be the third guy at the beginning.

“It’s good for our sport. I think these kinds of rivalries with the contrast in the personalities and the style of play are very good for tennis.

“How is that affecting me? As I said, I don’t feel like I’m chasing. I’m creating my own history.”

When does Djokovic play next?

Djokovic is eyeing a record-extending 11th title at Melbourne Park this week.

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His walkover victory over Musetti came in similar circumstances to his progression to the last eight.

Jakub Mensik had been forced to pull out of their fourth round tie prior to the match.

Djokovic will now face Sinner in the semi-finals on Friday, having lost their last five meetings dating back over two years.

The winner will meet either Carlos Alcaraz or Alexander Zverev in Sunday’s final.